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Vancouver, BC – October 14, 2015. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 8,553 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September, up 12 per cent from the same month last year. Total sales dollar volume was $5.2 billion, up 18 per cent compared to the previous year. The average MLS® residential price in the province rose…

BC Notaries Offer 10 Essential Tips for Strata Property BuyersStrata Property Purchases Rising due to First-time Buyers and Empty NestersFor Immediate Release                                        &n…

Routine finances Decisions regarding health care, personal care, and limited legal affairs Refusal or consent to life-support treatment and care Consent to less common medical procedures/treatment Consent to treatment the adult approved while capable but, since losing capacity, has refused consent Deciding on living arrangements for the adult, including choosing a care facilityA No…

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING TOOLSFollowing are some of the tools available to British Columbians.Power of AttorneyA Power of Attorney allows a capable adult to appoint a person or persons to handle his or her financial and legal matters in the event the adult is unable to do so or needs assistance. The document also specifies whether those individuals are allowed to act separately or are required to…

Why Advance Care Planning is ImportantOne of the most important and caring things people can do for themselves—and their loved ones—is to prepare in advance for a time when they may not be able to express their own needs and wishes.Expressing and legally documenting preferences and instructions can protect individuals and their families from financial abuse or exploitation. Designating health…

Keep in mind BC’s leaky condo crisis, and discover whether there have been previous problems with water ingression in the building envelope, and whether it has been professionally remediated. Ask whether major maintenance work is required in the future (eg. replacing the roof, balconies, re-plumbing, etc.). Look into whether any legal action against the building or strata is in progress…

February 18, 2014BC Notaries are pleased that the Provincial government has recognized the high cost of home ownership in BC for first time buyers, and made it a little bit easier to enter the housing market.In the BC budget released today, Finance Minister Mike DeJong announced that more first-time home buyers will pay less property transfer tax. The government has increased the value of hom…

While ensuring one’s preferences are known and respected should be the primary motivator for advance care planning, it has social benefits as well.  Healthcare budgets are escalating and healthcare providers are often overworked and under-staffed. With baby boomers approaching a stage in life when they are more likely to need care, the squeeze on resources will inevitably increase.“Advance care…

April 16 is Advance Care Planning Day – Only 30% of B.C. Adults Have Legal Instructions for Healthcare Decision-making if Unable to Speak for ThemselvesFor Immediate ReleaseApril 15, 2014Vancouver, BC—This Wednesday April 16 is Advance Care Planning Day across Canada, and the Society of Notaries Public is encouraging British Columbians, especially baby boomers, to take charge of their own h…